HomeLatest NewsThis North Carolina Shooting Highlights the Importance of Knowing Self-Defense Laws

This North Carolina Shooting Highlights the Importance of Knowing Self-Defense Laws

Published on

Featured

Convicted murderer becomes Louisiana’s first nitrogen gas execution after appeal denied

A Louisiana death row inmate on Tuesday was executed with nitrogen gas, a...

‘We Can’t Redact’ – 80,000 Pages Of JFK Assassination Documents To Drop Tuesday Afternoon, Says Trump

This article was originally published by Tyler Durden at ZeroHedge.  President Trump on Monday announced...

SPRING HOPE, NC — A North Carolina man has been arrested after he allegedly fired multiple rounds at a vehicle, striking a juvenile driver, following an attempted theft from his truck. The case serves as a stark reminder that responsible gun owners must understand the laws of self-defense—deadly force is only justified in response to an immediate threat of death or serious bodily harm, not to protect property or pursue suspects after the fact.

Incident Details

On March 14, 2025, shortly after 10:00 p.m., the Nash County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting on Savage Road. According to authorities, 30-year-old Zachary Bryant called 911 to report a theft from his truck. He later admitted to firing at a moving vehicle, striking a 15-year-old driver, who remains in critical condition.

Bryant told police he was inside his home when he heard his dog barking. Upon checking outside, he saw two individuals running from his truck. The suspects got into a vehicle and drove away. Bryant then went back inside his house, put on clothes, retrieved a handgun and a flashlight, and returned to inspect his truck, discovering that tools were missing.

Roughly 10 minutes later, Bryant spotted a red vehicle matching the description of the suspect’s car returning to the area. Standing near the road, he fired multiple shots at the passing vehicle, striking the juvenile driver. The car then crashed into a wooded area, where deputies later found four minors inside, ranging in age from 14 to 16.

Bryant has been charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill and Inflicting Serious Injury and Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill

.

Authorities were clear in their assessment: Bryant was not in immediate danger when he opened fire. North Carolina law (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-51.3) allows for the use of deadly force only when there is a reasonable belief of imminent death or great bodily harm. Since Bryant fired on a fleeing vehicle and was not facing an active threat, his use of force was not legally justified.

The investigation remains ongoing, and charges are also being considered against the juveniles involved in the theft.

Self-Defense and the Law

This case underscores an important lesson for all gun owners: you cannot legally use deadly force to protect property or to stop a fleeing suspect. Once a threat has ended, firing a weapon—even at a suspect who has just committed a crime—can result in serious legal consequences.

Lawful gun ownership carries the responsibility of understanding when force is legally justified. If you find yourself in a similar situation, call law enforcement and let them handle the pursuit. Acting outside the law, as this case demonstrates, can lead to criminal charges and tragic outcomes.

Read the full article here

Latest articles

Hundreds of migrants evicted from Paris theater after squatting there for months

More than 400 migrants were evacuated from a theater in Paris where they...

Netanyahu accuses media of echoing ‘Hamas propaganda’ as Gaza war resumes

Peace negotiations will now only take place as Israel continues to pummel Hamas,...

Mexican immigration activist who hid in Colorado church for years to avoid deportation arrested by ICE

Join Fox News for access to this content You have reached your maximum number...

North Carolina Advances ‘Freedom to Carry NC’ Bill Allowing Permitless Concealed Carry for Residents 18 and Older

Listed To This Article: Play in new window | Download | EmbedYou can also...

More like this

Active-duty US airman charged in killing of missing woman on military base

A South Dakota active-duty airman was arrested on federal charges after authorities say...

Convicted murderer becomes Louisiana’s first nitrogen gas execution after appeal denied

A Louisiana death row inmate on Tuesday was executed with nitrogen gas, a...

‘We Can’t Redact’ – 80,000 Pages Of JFK Assassination Documents To Drop Tuesday Afternoon, Says Trump

This article was originally published by Tyler Durden at ZeroHedge.  President Trump on Monday announced...